James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 132: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide details of the way in which budget 2010 savings of €141 million in drugs costs will be achieved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48078/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I recently had discussions with the representative bodies of the pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking further reductions in the price of drugs supplied to the Health Service Executive (HSE). Planned reductions in ex-factory prices will save €121m in 2010, with knock-on savings of €20m at wholesale and retail level. These savings are in addition to savings of approx €80m in 2010 arising from the terms of the 2006 agreements with the pharmaceutical manufacturers. It is also my intention to introduce a system of reference pricing combined with generic substitution under the GMS and community drugs schemes. This will encourage greater use of cheaper generic alternatives and lead to further savings in the State's drugs bill. The legislation to do this will be introduced during 2010.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 133: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide details of the way in which budget 2010 savings of €30 million in dental treatment will be achieved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48079/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It has been decided to put a cash limit on the Dental Treatment Scheme in 2010 - based on the expenditure incurred by the Scheme in 2008. My Department has asked the HSE to examine the means of achieving this. I expect the HSE to revert to my Department shortly with its proposals.